I’m using my vintage Vernor’s crate to hold my painting supplies. It’s portable, should I need to move to another part of the cottage. Plus, I really love this crate, having grown up in Michigan where Vernor’s Ginger Ale (the best, in my opinion) was manufactured. When I lived in downtown Detroit, I used to drive by the main plant on my way home.
We seem to be in a humid/thunderstorm weather pattern here, with more on the docket today. I keep a close watch on our mama robin and the nest, though in reality, there’s nothing I can do. So far, I’ve learned that the female robin builds the nest, lays the eggs (of course) and keeps them warm. Ahem. Where’s dad? I have to give it to the Carolina wrens: he build the nest, she approved it, did the egg laying, and they both fed the babies. I know that papa robin will step in once the babies are born but so far…he’s an absentee father.
I have a book arriving today that I’ve long wanted to read. It’s by David Sibley, an authority on birds. Title: What it’s Like to be a Bird: From Flying to Nesting, Eating to Singing–What Birds are Doing and Why. I can’t wait to start reading it.
One of Don’s birthday presents from me was the new biography of famed director, Mike Nichols. (Sort of a present for me, too, as I can’t wait to read it.) He is devouring it. It’s written by Mark Harris, who I follow on Twitter. He is married to Tony Kushner, who wrote the prize winning play, Angels in America. There’s a lot of talent in that family.
It’s a gorgeous, albeit humid, morning. The light is beautiful, everything is blooming, mama is sitting on her eggs right outside our kitchen window.
And the mullein, or verbascum, that grows wild here is all over the back forty. I think we have more plants than we’ve ever had before. It sometimes grows to over 6 feet tall and has an almost ‘forest primeval’ look to it. These are the flowers. There are splashes of yellow everywhere. Mullein is often used as an herb.
I’m starting a new Roseville painting today.
And that’s it for today!
Stay safe.
Happy Wednesday.
Yes indeed…Vernor’s is the best gingerale.
The bird book sounds interesting. I love watching birds and especially seeing the babies hatch and be cared for.
It is very humid here and in good news…the gypsy moth caterpillars seem to have disappeared. They are now turning themselves into moths who will lay zillions of eggs to hatch next spring. It sounds like the county may spray next spring.
We’ve hated going outside because of all the caterpillars. I haven’t paid much attention to any of my flowers besides watering enough to keep them alive.
Tomorrow my granddaughter has an appointment with a specialist. My daughter has a list of questions. Hopefully, they have some answers.
We are approximately 1 week into recovery that can take many months. If you google viral meningitis it says full recovery in a couple weeks. For some reason this has been really severe for her. We still don’t know what virus caused this and probably never will.
Looking forward to seeing your new painting.
Stay safe
prayers continue for your granddaughter, you and the rest of your family … for a quick, full recovery, peace of mind and the best possible answers.
also that those moths leave (not wishing that on anyone else, either and if it were me, i’d probably have a concrete yard to keep them away).
you’ve had a lot to deal with. hope you do something nice for yourself and relaxing every day.
kathy in iowa
I’m glad the caterpillar saga has ended! What a relief.
I so hope you find out more about your granddaughter’s illness and recovery. Praying.
Stay safe, Marilyn.
When I lived in Mass, I used to bring Vernor’s back from my visits to Michigan.
I had a friend who moved to Ithaca, NY and had a stash of it in one of his bathtubs!
Stay safe, Lynda.
Hmm I can’t find a Louise Penny due out next month. Can you give me the title?
Thank you!!
I’m afraid I don’t have the title handy. Go to Amazon, put in Louise Penny in the search engine and it will come up. It’s available for pre-order.
Stay safe.
My “sources” tell me—The Madness of Crowds (LouisePenny, due out in Aug.)
Oh, right!
I am so intrigued by that bird book…I ordered it. We have tons of birds here…and seek answers to our many questions. Seemed like a good place to start.
That flower is gorgeous…can you take a picture of all of them when they start to bloom? Thanks in advance. Enjoy your day! ;)
I just got the book yesterday. Sibley both writes and illustrates his books.
It’s hard to take pictures right now as we’re being pummeled with thunderstorms and lots of humidity. When I can, if I can, I will.
Stay safe, Donna.
Lovely picture. I was wondering. What do you have tied around your sansevieria in the back ground? I assume it is to help it grow mire upright. Mine is all over the place and I would like to be able to fix its growth. Thanks!
I was about to ask the same thing! :)
They’re curved metal supports. I’ve placed them on either side of the plant. Nothing is tied, but they do seem to keep it slightly in check. The sansevieria is huge and unwieldy! Search for curved metal garden supports.
Stay safe, Jane.
Thank you!
Happy Wednesday to you, too! The week is zooming by but I am happy to read the cooler weather is on its way along with a bit of rain. Hooray!
It’s a bit cooler here but very humid. I’d like that to go away soon!
Stay safe, Ellen.
lovely photos of lovely things! i have no garden/flowers, but i have a few old crates and lots and lots of paint around home and appreciate that you do, too. :)
hope the storms bring you cooler, less humid weather and leave the robin family alone.
glad you have some books to read. i saw that sibley book a while back and thought about it because my family and i love birds, too. will be interested to know your thoughts on that one (thanks in advance).
had a little ten-minute shower here this afternoon, but was indoors at work so couldn’t enjoy it. i’ll just be glad we’re getting some rain … we’re more than eight inches behind.
back to working a full day after being sick last week. also, though i still have pain, my back now has more aches and gets tired very quickly rather than pain 24/7. i think i am now feeling in bigger ways the benefit of physical therapy, like i’ve turned that corner and can see getting back to myself and my usual life … minus running (jogging is probably a better word to use, but whatever … that still breaks my heart) and maybe bike-riding only on a designated bike path (not on streets anymore) … but progress continues and i thank God for that!
hope everyone is having a nice night.
kathy in iowa
So happy to read that you’re feeling the benefits of PT and that your back is improving. Wonderful!
Stay safe, Kathy.
The Sibley book sounds amazing! Now I just need time to read it, sigh. We love hearing stories like yours about Vernor’s; thank you for sharing it! Happy painting :)
Vernor’s is great! Especially with ice cream in a ‘float.’
Stay safe, Naomi.
Oh Claudia, I love your paint box! What a great idea and it looks perfect. There is something that warms my heart about seeing peoples’ painting spaces or storage! And the blooms are beautiful — how fun to see them spotting your yard!
I’ve had Mike Nichols’ bio on my wish list too. That’s a great gift (for you both!)
I spent yesterday in the urgent care and ER with Rick — we have more urology appointments today and possibly surgery tomorrow (kidney stone), Think lovely thoughts.
Thank you, Jeanie!
I’m so sorry to hear about Rick! I hope his pain has eased. When you have a moment, please give us an update. Sending prayers.
Stay safe!
I love your paint box. I’m glad you were having a great day. Hugs!
Thank you, Linda.
Stay safe!
Found Vernors at Publix recently and I was so thrilled. No other ginger ale compares if you grew up drinking it 🙂 Only medicine I need for an upset stomach too.
It is the BEST!
Stay safe, Vicki!